Sarasota resident writes book about his Ormond Beach hero

On Thanksgiving Eve of 1975, former pilot Guy Eby dove his DC-10 passenger airliner to avoid colliding with an incoming plane, a near-miss that could have been catastrophic for those onboard both aircrafts.

While some onboard were injured, Eby's quick thinking saved hundreds of lives aboard the American Airlines Flight 182, including Burt Herman's and his family's. Later, after he and the other passengers were told of the almost-accident, he would forever consider Eby to be his hero. Years passed, but gratitude never faded, and last year, Herman was finally able to meet his "master of the moment."

Their warm encounter on Feb. 9, 2017 inspired Herman to tell Eby's story. The Sarasota resident recently published "'Eby' Master of the Moment" and held a book signing at L.A.'s Bistro in Ormond Beach on Wednesday, April 4, to commemorate the occasion with his 99-year-old hero.

"I know who had the greatest purpose in life," Herman said. "I know who that guy is."

In the book, Herman tells his account of that 1975 November day, as well as other passengers' stories he's met over the years. He also includes the moment where he first met Eby in person, 41 years later.

Herman has given all of the passengers he's met a blue baseball cap to honor their hero. Eby received one at the book signing. He said never thought there would be a book written about him.

“It’s unbelievable, really," Eby said. "I never anticipated this.”

The story doesn't end with the book, though. Herman also announced that CBS's Decades channel will air a special telling the story of Eby's heroism on November 26, 2018 — the 43rd anniversary of Flight 182.